Because I feel nostalgic
holding onto the ends of my sleeves
so they won't get bunched when I put on my coat

Because I think of the past
whenever I eat at Dairy Queen
or drive by the park in the town I grew up in

Because I can't forget
balancing on railroad ties
or fishing for nothing in the ditch outside my house

Because I remember
the time my cat killed a rabbit
and burying a box of toys in the yard with my sister for Pirate Day

Because my childhood was filled with
visiting you at work and meeting you for lunch
and climbing on your work truck even though you told me not to

Because whenever I see the Big Dipper
I remember you pointing it out one night
and not being able to make it out in the blackness

Because remembering anything of those days
I am suddenly struck with your presence in them
and the realization that looking back on the days I live now

I won't be able to feel nostalgic for you anymore